Gentle Strength

I love your gentle strength.
It is what makes me want you.

I love the gentle strength
   of your presence,
   how you enter the room and fill it
   with your self-assurance
   without intimidating me.
   
I love the gentle strength
   of your deep voice
   ripping into laughter as easily as
   commanding attention to
   your stated convictions.
   
I love the gentle strength
   of your touch,
   unafraid to hug full body,
   close surrounding me with yourself,
   even as your fingertips feather my cheek.
   
I love the gentle strength
   of your rescuing me
   from arachnoid creatures in the night,
   when I scream in terror,
   and you appear quietly, quickly
   entombing the offender in tissue
   before its swirling descent into
   the city sewer.
   
I love your gentle strength
   in bed,
   enfolded in you,
   caressed,
   obsessed,
   possessed
   and totally content.
   
I love your gentle strength.
   I love you.
   
--8/18/2000